A RETIRED agricultural consultant from Colwyn Bay who cared for his wife through terminal cancer is sharing his family’s story to encourage people in farming and rural communities to seek help early when noticing a change in health.
Nigel Davies cared for his wife Emma after she was diagnosed with Glioblastoma — the most aggressive and common form of primary brain cancer. Emma, who was a nurse, sadly died in July 2024 after being diagnosed in May 2023.
Now, through a powerful new awareness video, Nigel is speaking to mark Carers Week (8 - 14 June 2026) about the realities of becoming a carer overnight, the emotional toll on families, and the importance of addressing symptoms before it is too late.
The video has been released as part of the Rural Communities Cancer Project and the #NipItInTheBud campaign - a UK-wide partnership between The Farming Community Network and Macmillan Cancer Support, which aims to raise awareness of cancer signs and symptoms within farming and rural communities.
Nigel recalls the first warning sign appearing while he and Emma were gardening together.
“Emma suddenly said that she could smell something horrible,” he said.
“It didn’t seem serious at first, but it turned out to be the first sign that something was badly wrong.”
After undergoing scans and tests in May 2023, Emma was diagnosed with Glioblastoma.
Nigel says one of the hardest moments was having to tell their daughters.
“However, having shared everything with them, their time and support between Emma’s diagnosis and death was incredible," he explained.
"The next generation can be a great source of comfort and inspiration.”
Emma’s diagnosis meant she immediately lost her driving licence - something Nigel says deeply affected her independence.
Throughout Emma’s illness, Nigel became her carer while continuing to navigate everyday life and work.
MORE NEWS
- Historic four-star Llandudno seafront hotel to host Bridgerton-themed ball
- Opening of much-anticipated homeware store at Mostyn Champneys 'pushed back'
- When this family restaurant near Black Cat roundabout is expected to close
He said: “Supporting Emma through her illness was an honour.
“I learned that when Emma wanted to talk, I needed to stop everything and listen. That awareness ultimately helped me as much as it helped Emma.
"It gave us a greater connection that others who don’t find that time might miss out on.”
During Carers Week, Nigel hopes his story will resonate with other carers — particularly in rural communities, where people often put work, family and farming responsibilities ahead of their own health.
“It can be easy to put things off, especially when farming work comes first,” he said.
“But if something doesn’t feel right, it’s so important to get it checked. Early diagnosis can make a fundamental difference to the experience of everyone, close family members as well as the patient.”
The video has also been shared in Welsh by FCN Cymru to help ensure the message reaches farming families across Wales in their own language.
Linda Jones, National Manager (Wales) for FCN, said: “Stories like Nigel’s are incredibly powerful because they reflect the experiences of so many families across rural Wales. Caring for someone with cancer can be emotionally overwhelming and isolating, particularly in farming communities where people are used to simply carrying on.
“Nigel’s honesty will help others feel less alone and may encourage people to seek help sooner - both for themselves and for loved ones.”
Read more about the Rural Communities Cancer Project here.
The #NipItInTheBud campaign encourages anyone worried about their health to contact their GP and seek advice as early as possible.
Share